Susim Mukul Dutta, India’s famous business leader and former chairman of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), died in Mumbai on Saturday, 5 July. He was the chairman of HUL from 1990 to 1996 and led more than 21 big companies in his career.

Reached HUL’s peak in 1990

Susim Dutta started his corporate journey from Hindustan Lever in the 1950s. On the basis of hard work and foresight, he continued to grow up in the company and finally became the chairman in 1990.

During his tenure, HUL made many major acquisitions and merged. The biggest name among them was Brook Bond -Lipton Tea merger, which further strengthened the company’s position in the FMCG sector.

From Hul to Castrol, he was the chairman of many legendary companies

Even after Hul, Dutta’s influence remained in the corporate world. He worked as a non-executive chairman in many big companies, including-

• Castrol India Ltd
• Philips India Ltd
• IL & FS Investment Managers Ltd
• Tata Trustee CO. Pvt ltd
• Peerless General Finance & Investment Co. Ltd
• Linde India Ltd

He led for many years in Castrol India and left the post from there in 2019.

Also played many important roles as board members and advisors

Susim Dutta was not only the chairman, but he also contributed significantly as board members in many companies. These include-

• Rabo India Finance Ltd
• Atul ltd
• Bhoruka power corp ltd
• Philips Electronics India Ltd
• Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd

Excellent combination of education, technology and leadership

Susim Dutta did postgraduation in Science and Technology from University of Calcutta. He not only gave corporate leadership, but also actively participated in professional organizations. He was associated with institutions like All India Management Association, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers and Institute of Engineers India.

End of an era

With the death of Susim Dutta, India has lost a corporate leader who gave a new direction to the business world. He was one of the few people who carried the Indian corporate sector forward with a global vision. His life, leadership and principle will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.

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